"I do my best. I never listen to his saft nonsense. I never accept any of the trinkets he offers me—but he winna be said."
"Continue to treat him coldly, and his assiduities will soon cease," observed Beppy.
"I'm not so sure of that. If he persists I fear there'll be mischief, for he drives Erick furious."
"I hope it mayn't come to that, Helen," said Beppy, rather gravely. "But much will depend on your discretion."
They then went on with their task in silence.
By this time they had made two or three dozen cockades, and when nearly as many more were finished, Helen expressed surprise that Erick had not come to fetch her.
"He promised to come for me in an hour," she said, "and it's now gettin' late."
"Don't make yourself uneasy," replied Beppy. "He'll be here soon. Where do you lodge to-night?"
"At the Angel in Market Street Lane. Why, there's a clock has just struck nine. I must go. You'll please to excuse me, miss. I'll come betimes to-morrow and help you to finish the cockades."
"Well, if you won't stay any longer, I'll send some one with you to the Angel."